Smyth County OKs $24M courthouse renovation

After literally years of debate and discussion, the Smyth County Board of Supervisors has approved a $24 million plan to renovate the county’s historic courthouse in Marion (right), reports the Bristol Herald Courier.

The action came on a 4-3 vote, with the the board choosing the most expensive of several options. But one member noted that the plan is a 20-year fix.

Judges and other court officials have been saying for years that they need better security and more space.

Board members were aware that the Supreme Court was looking at them. The board chairman said that if something hadn’t finally happened, officials at the court wouldn’t be shy about forcing the issue, as they had in other jurisdictions.